What term refers to income-producing properties purchased for investment purposes?

The term that best refers to income-producing properties purchased specifically for investment purposes is "income properties." These are real estate assets that generate revenue, typically through rental income. Investors often seek out income properties as a way to build wealth and secure a steady cash flow, as they are intended to generate profit through leasing or renting out to tenants.

While rental properties do fall under the broader category of income properties, the term "income properties" encompasses various types of real estate investments, including commercial, industrial, or multifamily residential properties that are specifically acquired to generate income. Therefore, "income properties" is the most accurate and encompassing term for properties that serve this investment purpose.

Commercial properties, while often income-generating, are a subset of income properties, as they include specific types of real estate like office buildings and retail spaces that cater to businesses rather than individual homeowners. Residential properties generally refer to homes intended for personal living, which may not necessarily qualify as investment properties unless they are being rented out.